improving stem education through the redesign of the...

Improving STEM

Education through the

Redesign of the

Advanced Placement

Science Courses

Andy Elby, University of Maryland, AP Physics 1 Development Committee

Audra Ward, The Marist School, AP Biology Consultant

Serena Magrogan, Director AP Chemistry, The College Board

STEM Ed Goals and Challenges

AP Science Curriculum Redesign to Meet STEM Ed Goals

AP Exam Changes to Support STEM Ed Goals

AP Science Instruction Changes to Support STEM Ed Goals

Agenda or Summary Layout

Item 4

Item 1

Item 2

Item 3

Setting the Stage A Sense of Urgency to

Improve STEM Ed

Develop and supply the applicants needed for the demand of STEM-capable workers

STEM Ed: Goal

NRC (2011) Successful K-12 STEM Education

Supply Line is Leaking

How Do We Maximize Output?

AP Curriculum Redesign Supporting STEM Ed Goals

and Meeting Challenges

college level work

fuels critical thinking

inspire engaged students

AP is

that

to

AP Science Courses Now

We need to emphasize conceptual over algorithmic understanding

We need to develop information producers and critical information consumers

Impetus for AP Science Redesign

AP Science Redesign Addresses STEM Ed Goals

Enduring Understandings

Structure of the AP® Science Curriculum

Framework

Big Ideas

Science Practices: Science Inquiry & Reasoning

Essential Knowledge

Learning Objectives

Content

Skill

Learning Objective

+ Science Practice 5.1

The student can analyze data to identify

patterns or relationships.

Learning Objective (3.C.3 & 5.1)

The student can analyze data regarding

galvanic or electrolytic cells to identify

properties of the underlying redox reactions.

Essential Knowledge 3.C.3

Electrochemistry shows the interconversion

between chemical and electrical energy in

galvanic and electrolytic cells.

Clear learning objectives provide a window for what content and science practices will be assessed.

Redesign Emphasizes Science Practices

AP Science Exam

Changes Supporting STEM Ed Goals

Which of these items is old vs. new?

What’s different about them?

The electric resistance of the part of the circuit between X and Y is (a) 1.3 Ω (b) 2.0 Ω (c) 4.0 Ω (d) 6.0 Ω

Rank the currents through the three resistors. (a) I1 > I2 > I3 (b) I2 > I1 > I3 (c) I2 > I1 = I3 (d) I1 = I2 = I3

New item type in Physics:

Multiple correct Multi–Correct: Students will need to select all the correct answers to the question below in order to earn credit.

A race car going around a flat, unbanked circular track gradually increases speed as it completes one full trip around the track. Which of the following can explain why the car gains speed? (A) Energy stored in the fuel is converted to mechanical energy. (B) A component of the frictional force exerted by the ground on the tires is

directed toward the center of the circle. (C) A component of the frictional force exerted by the ground on the tires is in

the direction of motion. (D) The car’s velocity and acceleration are perpendicular.

http://media.collegeboard.com/digitalServices/pdf/ap/2012advances/12b_6714_AP_Physics_WEB_121001.pdf

Which of these items is old vs. new?

What’s different about them?

The picture above represents some stages in the early development of an embryo. In which of the stages does gastrulation begin? A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4 E. 5

The diagram above shows a developing worm embryo at the four-cell stage. Experiments have shown that when cell 3 divides, the anterior daughter cell gives rise to muscle and gonads and the posterior daughter cell gives rise to the intestine. However, if the cells of the embryo are separated from one another early during the four-cell stage, no intestine will form. Other experiments have shown that if cell 3 and cell 4 are recombined after the initial separation, the posterior daughter cell of cell 3 will once again give rise to normal intestine.

Which of the following is the most plausible explanation for these findings? A) A cell surface protein on cell 4 signals cell 3 to induce formation of the worm’s

intestine. B) The plasma membrane of cell 4 interacts with the plasma membrane of the

posterior portion of cell 3, causing invaginations that become microvilli. C) Cell 3 passes an electrical signal to cell 4, which induces differentiation in cell 4. D) Cell 4 transfers genetic material to cell 3, which directs the development of

intestinal cells.

New item type in Biology:

Grid Ins

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/AP_BiologyCED_Effective_Fall_2012_lkd.pdf

Which of these items is old vs. new?

What’s different about them?

Based on the information above, what is the standard enthalpy

change for the following reaction?

Na2O(s) + H

2O(l) 2 NaOH(s)

(A) x + y + z

(B) x + y - z

(C) x + y - 2z

(D) 2z - x - y

(E) z - x - y

H2(g) + ½ O2(g) H2O(l) ΔH° = x

2 Na(s) + ½O2(g) Na2O(s) ΔH° = y

Na(s) + ½ O2(g) + ½ H2(g) NaOH(s) ΔH° = z

New item type in Chemistry: Item Sets

AP Science Instruction

Changes Supporting STEM Ed Goals

Physics Activity

When a layer of oil covers water and an apple, will the apple be higher or lower than before?

Inquire

Chemistry Inquiry Activity

timer

Inquire

AP course revisions aim to create a rigorous, research-

based curriculum to:

• Emphasize deep understanding rather than

comprehensive coverage

• Include a strong emphasis on inquiry and reasoning

• Prepare students for success in college-level courses by

applying discipline-specific skills

• Stimulate and empower students to consider careers in

those disciplines

Alignment of STEM Ed Goals and the AP

Science Redesign

Serena Magrogan

Director, AP Science Curriculum and Content Development

smagrogan@collegeboard.org

More Information?

Questions?